DealBreaker – A new generation of investors is plunging into “litigation finance,” putting up millions of dollars to fund lawsuits in hopes of collecting when verdicts come down. Established financiers are expanding into new areas, including loans to law firms, and finding clients among the biggest American companies.

Law firms themselves are starting to jump on the bandwagon, too. They are seeking funding arrangements for clients who need help going after opponents with deeper pockets, or simply want to keep litigation costs off their balance sheets.